Q&A: A minimum of 56 tonnes of Israel-bound weapons transported through Irish airspace

Since The Ditch first reported on the transport of Israel-bound weapons through Irish airspace, opposition leaders have asked for answers from government, with coalition leaders saying some level of investigation is to be conducted. Here's what we know and how we know it.

US funded weaponry illegally transported to Israel through Irish airspace

Invoices confirm the United States funded almost seven tonnes of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) weaponry illegally transported through Irish airspace.

Comment: The state doesn't acknowledge its role in war

What has the Irish state done?

Israel-bound explosives transported over Ireland since at least October 2023

Israel-bound explosives for IDF contractors and the Israeli police have been transported over Irish sovereign airspace since at least last October and November – on two flights separate to the other four already reported by The Ditch.

Fourth flight transported IDF missile arming devices over Ireland

A fourth Israel-bound cargo flight flew over Irish sovereign airspace this year, carrying 27 arming devices that were, according to shipping records, “to be used in the Arrow 3 missile interceptor for end use by the Israel Ministry of Defence”.

Third flight transported IDF weapons over Ireland

The Ditch can reveal that a third Israel-bound cargo flight flew over Irish sovereign airspace this year – carrying more than 24 tonnes of weapons for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Second plane transported IDF weapons over Ireland

The Ditch has uncovered a second Israel-bound cargo flight that flew over Irish sovereign airspace this year – loaded with more thanr 23 tonnes of weapons for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Israel illegally brought 7.6 tonnes of weaponry through Irish sovereign airspace

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that an Israeli-operated flight carrying Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) weaponry flew through Irish sovereign airspace without legal permission. 

IDF explosives transported over Irish airspace

An Israeli-operated cargo plane flew through Irish sovereign airspace this year loaded with explosives on the way to the Israel Defense Forces, according to documents obtained by The Ditch.

Plane collecting IDF weapons flew through Irish sovereign airspace

An Israeli-operated cargo plane has flown through Irish sovereign airspace three times this year on its way to the US to collect Israel Defence Forces (IDF) weaponry. 

State assisting Israeli flights collecting US military cargo through Irish airspace

The state is facilitating an Israeli cargo plane using Irish airspace to pick up Israel Defense Forces (IDF) weaponry from the United States. 

State steered engineer reports used to downgrade mica scheme claims

The state has required engineers working on the mica scheme to submit draft reports and receive guidance from the Housing Agency before final reports are accepted. These reports have been crucial in affected homeowners being awarded grants they maintain are inadequate.